‘My prayers have been answered’: Internet reacts to Dan Andrews resignation

Social media has reacted to the resignation of Daniel Andrews as Premier of Victoria with many users welcoming his departure after nine years.

Mr Andrews made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon where he also revealed he is quitting as the Member for Mulgrave.

The outgoing Victorian Premier led the Labor party to three victories at the state elections in 2014, 2018 and again in 2022.

His resignation will take effect from 5pm on Wednesday.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Victorians reacted passionately to the news, with a mixture of emotions ranging from sadness to suspicion about the timing of the announcement.

“So Daniel Andrews has decided to resign. For someone whose ego is bigger than the Westgate Bridge, this must mean a s*** storm is on the way and he is leaving the sinking ship. Good luck Victorians,” one user wrote.

Another user called the resignation the “first step” in Victoria’s recovery.

“It’s Victoria’s first step in a long road to recovery. They’ve finally got something on him that sticks. We’ll never find out why, but at least the burden of having him as ‘leader’, is now over.”

Other more light-hearted reactions include references to a recent viral photo of the Premier enjoying a sneaky cigarette.

Users also paid tribute to the song “Get on the Beers”, a remix of Andrews speaking at a 2020 press conference during the COVID-19 pandemic which reached number 12 on the 2020 Triple J Hottest 100. 

Some users took issue with the content of Mr Andrews’ resignation speech, including his claim to have led “the most progressive branch of Australia’s oldest political party”.  

Guardian political correspondent Paul Karp was quick to point out that the ACT has a stronger progressive track record than Victoria.

“Fact check on aisle 3. ACT has decriminalised drugs, voted for the Republic, and more heavily in favour of marriage equality than Vic,” he wrote.

Despite his controversial reputation, many X users paid tribute to the outgoing premier as one of the country’s best leaders in many years.

“I know many will disagree but In my ‘opinion’ Dan Andrews was the best leader that this country has had for many years … one of the smartest too.  Truly sorry to see him go but can’t say I blame him, politics is a lousy business,” the user wrote.

Another user pointed out that Mr Andrews led the Victorian Labor Party to successively stronger victories at the 2018 and 2022 elections.

The sentiment was echoed by Sky News Australia host Rita Panahi, who despite declaring “reality caught up with Dan”, slammed the Victorian Liberals as “an unelectable rabble”.

In his speech, Mr Andrews told reporters it was “not an easy decision” but “when it’s time, it’s time”.

“Recently in talking to my kids and (wife) Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job have started to creep in,” he said on Tuesday.